P R E F A C E.

I believed I should begin this Preface with these Reflections. I come now to my Work. I have divided it into two Parts: the first Historical, and the second Dogmatic. I first present to the Reader, with short marginal notes, the History of Mani original: "Manichée". Mani (c. 216–274 AD) was the Iranian prophet who founded Manichaeism., and the origin of Manichaeism, as it is found in the Acts of Archelaus A 4th-century anti-Manichaean work, long considered the primary source for Mani's life, though now viewed by many scholars as largely fictional.. I then examine all the Facts therein. I distinguish what is false from what is true, or what might be so. I explain what needs clarification, and remain always either a Critic or a Commentator. But as this History of our Heresiarch A term for the founder of a heretical sect or movement. is very different from that which we find in Persian and Arabic Authors, I believed I should present each of them separately. Furthermore, I have tried to make them more pleasant and interesting by mixing in Episodes which are not too far-fetched, and which the principal subject could tolerate. Such is, for example, what I relate concerning the Religion of Zoroaster The ancient Persian prophet and founder of Zoroastrianism, which heavily influenced Mani's thought., the Revolutions of that Religion among the Persians, the Christians of Turkestan original: "Turquestan". A historical region in Central Asia.—where Mani retired to escape the pursuit of Shapur original: "Sapor". Shapur I, the second Sasanian King of Kings of Iran, who was initially a patron of Mani but whose successors persecuted him.—and other Facts of this nature, which vary the Narrative and serve to refresh the Reader, weary of Critical Observations. This is all I have to say regarding the Historical Part of this Work.

THE second [Part], which is Dogmatic, is much more extensive and also requires a longer Preface. In it, I have followed the same method as in the first. I begin by giving to the Reader, with short observations, the Account,

Vol. I. **
that a